US personal tax return (1040) checklist
The 11 things to ask your client for: 3 every time, the rest only if they apply. Written so clients understand them.
Always needed
- W-2 formsOne from every employer you worked for this year.
- 1099 forms1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-R — whichever you received.
- Any life changes this year?Marriage, new baby, moved state, bought/sold a home, started a business…A short written answer, not a file.
Only if it applies
Clients can say “I don’t have this” and move on.
- Last year’s tax returnOnly needed if you are new to us.
- Form 1098 (mortgage interest)
- Property tax statements
- Charitable donation receipts
- Childcare / dependent care costsProvider name, tax ID and amount paid.
- Health coverage forms (1095-A/B/C)
- HSA forms (5498-SA, 1099-SA)
- Estimated tax payments made this yearDates and amounts, federal and state.A short written answer, not a file.
Stop chasing the missing ones
Elargi sends your client one private link to this list. They upload from their phone without an account, and reminders list only what’s still missing. Free for 3 open requests; Pro is $19/month for the whole firm.